Recreational Vehicles with Heated Components

ABSTRACT

A vehicle including a system for transferring energy between on-board vehicle components and/or between on-board and external components. The vehicle is configured to heat various components through induction to provide comfort to the rider and/or to transfer energy for charging one or more vehicle components.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Application (Attorney Docket No.28217.02P-02/US-CP-HDP) filed on Jan. 7, 2020, and claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/789,269 filed on Jan. 7, 2019. Theentire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for a vehicle, andin particular to systems and methods for wirelessly transferring powerto components on and/or off of the vehicle (e.g., heated handgrips,seats and/or user garments).

BACKGROUND

Vehicles may be open-air vehicles that do not include a roof and/orouter housing. As the ambient temperature surrounding the vehicledecreases, the user of the vehicle may get colder. As such, to provideadditional comfort to the user, heated features may be provided.However, the heated features may include many wired connections and/oradditional heated components. For example, a heated garment or articlemay include battery packs, controllers, and/or other wired components toprovide heat to the user. Adding these components to the heated garmentmay make it more cumbersome for the user to operate the vehicle.

Further, in some examples, off-road and on-road vehicles may include asteering system with one or more steering inputs, such as handlebarsand/or handgrips. The handgrips may be heated using wires and/or othercircuitry connected to a controller and/or a battery. However, the wiresmay wear down as a user continuously rotates the handgrips to operatethe two-wheeled vehicle. Eventually, the user may need to replace thewires and/or handgrips to prevent malfunction of the heated feature forthe handgrips.

Also, to charge a battery of the vehicle, a user may need to physicallyplug the vehicle into a charging source via a wired connection. This mayprovide an additional hassle to the user, especially if the vehicle isnot driven daily. Additionally, providing a wired connection requiresmultiple different charging components and/or steps to charge thevehicle. Accordingly, there exists a need for one or more improvedmethods or systems in order to address one or more of the above-noteddrawbacks.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary example of the present disclosure, a method forproviding current to energy transfer devices is provided. For example, acontroller receives user input indicating a temperature setting,determines, based on the temperature setting, an amount of current toprovide to a first energy transfer device, wherein the first energytransfer device is operatively coupled to a frame of a recreationalvehicle, and provides, based on the determined amount of current and bythe controller, a current to the first energy transfer device. The firstenergy transfer device is configured to wirelessly provide power to asecond energy transfer device, and the second energy transfer device isconfigured to provide the power to a load.

In some instances, the first energy transfer device is a first inductivecoil. The second energy transfer device is a second inductive coil. Thefirst inductive coil is configured to wirelessly provide the power tothe second inductive coil based on inducing a second current. In someexamples, the recreational vehicle comprises a steering assembly havinga handgrip. The first inductive coil and the second inductive coil arelocated on an interior portion of the handgrip. In some variations, theload is an article worn by the user. The load comprises a climatecontrol element corresponding to the article. The second inductive coilis operatively coupled to the article and configured to provide thesecond current to the heating element to control a climate of thearticle.

In some instances, the first energy transfer device is a firstconductive material and the second energy transfer device is a secondconductive material. The first conductive material provides a conductivecurrent to the second conductive material based on a physical contactbetween the first conductive material and the second conductivematerial. In some examples, the load is an article worn by the user andthe load comprises a heating element corresponding to the article. Thesecond conductive material is operatively coupled to the article andconfigured to provide the current to the climate control element tocontrol a climate of the article.

In some variations, the second energy transfer device is operativelycoupled to a contact point between the recreational vehicle and anoperator. In some instances, the controller receives, from at least onesensor, sensor information. The controller determines the amount ofcurrent to provide to the first energy transfer device is based on thesensor information. In some examples, the at least one sensor comprisesa vehicle speed sensor, and the sensor information comprises informationindicating a vehicle speed. In some variations, the at least one sensorcomprises a battery voltage sensor, and the sensor information comprisesinformation indicating a battery voltage. In some instances, the atleast one sensor comprises an ambient temperature sensor, and the sensorinformation comprises information indicating an ambient temperature.

In some examples, the load comprises a body temperature sensor, the atleast one sensor comprises radio frequency receiver, and the sensorinformation comprises information indicating a body temperature of auser. In some variations, the controller increases the amount of currentto provide the first energy transfer device in response to the bodytemperature of the user being less than a temperature corresponding tothe temperature setting. In some instances, the controller decreases theamount of current to provide the first energy transfer device inresponse to the body temperature of the user being greater than atemperature corresponding to the temperature setting.

In another exemplary example of the present disclosure, a recreationalvehicle is provided. The recreational vehicle includes a frame, frontand rear ground-engaging members supporting the frame, a powertraindrivingly coupled to one of the front and rear ground-engaging members,a steering assembly coupled to the front ground-engaging member forsteering the vehicle, the steering assembly comprising a steeringportion having a user grip or steering wheel, wherein the steeringportion comprises a first inductive coil, and wherein the user grip orsteering wheel comprises climate control circuitry comprising a secondinductive coil, and at least one programmable controller operativelycoupled to the first inductive coil and configured to control atemperature of the user grip or steering wheel by providing a current tothe first inductive coil. The first inductive coil wirelessly transfersthe current to the second inductive coil and the second inductive coilcauses the temperature of the user grip or steering wheel to change.

In some instances, the vehicle further comprises a user input deviceoperatively coupled to the frame and configured to provide user inputindicating a temperature setting to the at least one programmablecontroller. The at least one programmable controller is configured tocontrol the temperature of the user grip or steering wheel based on theuser input indicating the temperature setting. In some examples, theuser input device is at least one of: an analog temperature selector, atouch screen, and a digital input device. In some variations, thevehicle further comprises at least one sensor operatively coupled to theframe and configured to provide sensor information to the at least oneprogrammable controller. The at least one programmable controller isconfigured to control the temperature of the user grip based on thesensor information.

In some instances, the first inductive coil wirelessly transfers thecurrent to the second inductive coil based on a separation between thefirst inductive coil and the second inductive coil. In some examples,the first inductive coil is positioned radially around a first axis, thesecond inductive coil is positioned radially around the first axis, andthe separation is a distance along the first axis. In some variations,the vehicle further comprises a battery operatively coupled to theframe, and a high frequency inverter electrically coupled to thebattery. The high frequency inverter is configured to convert a directcurrent (DC) from the battery to an alternating current (AC), and thecurrent to the first inductive coil is the alternating current from thehigh frequency inverter.

In another exemplary example of the present disclosure, a vehiclecontrol system is provided. The vehicle control system includes avehicle and an article worn by a user. The vehicle includes a frame,front and rear ground-engaging members supporting the frame, apowertrain drivingly coupled to one of the front and rearground-engaging members, a battery operatively coupled to the frame, afirst energy transfer device supported by the frame, and at least oneprogrammable controller electrically coupled to the battery and thefirst energy transfer device configured to provide a current to thefirst energy transfer device. The article worn by the user comprisesheating circuitry comprising a second energy transfer device configuredto receive the current from the first energy transfer device and heatingelements operatively coupled to the second energy transfer device andconfigured to control a temperature of the article worn by the userusing the current from the second energy transfer device.

In some instances, the vehicle further comprises a user input deviceoperatively coupled to the frame and configured to provide user inputindicating a temperature setting to the at least one programmablecontroller. The at least one programmable controller is configured toprovide the current to the first energy transfer device based on theuser input indicating the temperature setting. In some examples, thevehicle further comprises at least one sensor operatively coupled to theframe and configured to provide sensor information to the at least oneprogrammable controller. The at least one programmable controller isconfigured to provide the current to the first energy transfer devicebased on the sensor information.

In some instances, the vehicle further comprises a steering assemblycoupled to the front ground-engaging member for steering the vehicle andthe steering assembly comprising a steering portion having a user grip.The user grip comprises the first energy transfer device and the articleworn by the user is a glove. In some examples, the first energy transferdevice is a first conductive material, and the second energy transferdevice is a second conductive material. In some variations, the vehiclefurther includes a floorboard operatively coupled to the frame. Thefloorboard is operatively coupled to the first energy transfer device,and the article worn by the user is a boot. In some instances, the firstenergy transfer device is a first inductive coil, and the second energytransfer device is a second inductive coil.

In another exemplary example of the present disclosure, a vehiclecharging system is provided. The vehicle control system includes avehicle and a charging device. The vehicle includes a frame, front andrear ground-engaging members supporting the frame, a powertraindrivingly coupled to one of the front and rear ground-engaging members,and a battery operatively coupled to the frame. The charging devicecomprises an outlet component operatively coupled to an electricaloutlet and configured to provide a current and a second energy transferdevice operatively coupled to the outlet component and configured toreceive the current from the outlet component. The second energytransfer device transfers the current to the first energy transferdevice, and the first energy transfer device is configured to providethe current to the battery to charge the battery.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a seat assembly for a vehicle having alongitudinal axis has a seat pan, a cover support adjacent to the seatpan and a seat cover comprising an upper surface and a firstlongitudinally extending side surface and a second longitudinallyextending side surface. A heating and cooling module is disposed atleast partially within the cover support. An air inlet is incommunication with the heating and cooling module. The air inletcommunicates air from a port in the seat cover to the heating andcooling module. An ambient condition sensor generates an ambientcondition signal. A user interface generates a user settingcorresponding to a comfort condition. A controller is coupled to theambient condition sensor and the heating and cooling module. Thecontroller controls the heating and cooling module in response to theuser setting and the ambient condition signal.

In a further aspect of the disclosure, method of controlling a seatincludes generating ambient condition signal from an ambient conditionsensor, generating an occupant condition signal from an occupantcondition sensor, generating a user setting corresponding to a comfortcondition at a user interface, and controlling a heating and coolingmodule in response to the user setting and the ambient condition signal.

In some instances, the charging device is a charging mat or a dockingstation. In some examples, the first energy transfer device is a firstinductive coil and the second energy transfer device is a secondinductive coil. In some variations, the first energy transfer device isfirst conductive material and the second energy transfer device is asecond conductive material.

Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of illustrative examples exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many additional features of the present systemand method will become more readily appreciated and become betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description when takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a rear, right perspective view of a vehicle of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a vehicle control system with inductivecoils;

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a vehicle control system with conductivematerials;

FIG. 4 shows another block diagram of a vehicle control system withinductive coils;

FIG. 5 shows another block diagram of a vehicle control system withconductive materials;

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart describing the operation of a controller tocontrol a temperature of a load;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a steering input that is controlledby the controller of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the steering input of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the steering input of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the steering input of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the steering input;

FIG. 12A shows an example of an article worn by the user and for usewith the steering input of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12B shows another example of the articles worn by the user and oruse with the vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12C shows an example of one or more induction coils and an articleworn by a user;

FIG. 13A shows an example of recharging an energy source of the vehiclecontrol system; and

FIG. 13B shows another example of recharging an energy source of thevehicle control system.

FIG. 14 is a comfort management system for controlling a device.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an occupant sensor.

FIGS. 16A-16I are screen displays of various screens in the control ofthe comfort management system.

FIG. 17 is a simplified flowchart of a method for operating a comfortcontrol system.

FIG. 18 is a detailed flowchart of the method for operating the comfortcontrol system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the examplesillustrated in the drawings, which are described below. The examplesdisclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to theprecise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather,the examples are chosen and described so that others skilled in the artmay utilize their teachings.

Although a heating of a heating element is described, a cooling elementor ventilation element may transfer energy to change the environment ofa device whether it be heating, cooling, or ventilation.

FIG. 1 shows one type of a recreational vehicle 100, such as atwo-wheeled vehicle. However, in examples, the vehicle 100 may be anyvehicle, such as a two-wheel vehicle, a three-wheel vehicle, afour-wheel vehicle, and/or other types of recreational vehicles that mayused on roads, trails, and/or both. Some examples of the recreationalvehicle 100 include, but are not limited to, motorcycles, all-terrainvehicles (ATVs), side-by-side recreational vehicles, snowmobiles, andutility vehicles.

Additional details regarding the examples of the recreational vehicle100 are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 8,827,019 (filed Dec. 18, 2013, titledSIDE-BY-SIDE VEHICLE), U.S. Pat. No. 9,211,924 (filed Mar. 25, 2014,titled SIDE-BY-SIDE VEHICLE), U.S. Pat. No. 8,544,587 (filed Mar. 21,2012, titled THREE-WHEELED VEHICLE), U.S. application Ser. No.15/387,504 (filed Dec. 21, 2016, titled TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE), U.S. Pat.No. 9,738,134 (filed Jun. 23, 2016, titled UTILITY VEHICLE), and U.S.Pat. No. 9,809,195 (filed Nov. 22, 2013, titled SNOWMOBILE), allassigned to the present assignee, the entire disclosures of which areexpressly incorporated by reference herein.

As shown in FIG. 1, the recreational vehicle 100 includes a plurality ofground engaging members 102. Illustrative ground engaging members 102include wheels, treads, skis, and other suitable devices which supportthe vehicle 100 relative to the ground. The recreational vehicle 100further includes a frame 104 supported by the plurality of groundengaging members 102.

The front and/or rear wheels 102 are coupled to a powertrain assembly114, to propel the vehicle 100 during operation thereof. Powertrainassembly 114 includes both an engine and a transmission. Thetransmission is coupled to the engine and provides power to the frontand/or rear wheels 102.

A seat 106 is operatively supported by the frame 104. The illustrativeseats 106 include straddle seats, bench seats, bucket seats, and othersuitable support members. In addition to the seat 106, the recreationalvehicle 100 may further include a passenger seat. Illustrative passengerseats include straddle seats, bench seats, bucket seats, and othersuitable support members. In some instances, the passenger seat ispositioned directly rearward of the user seat. One or more floorboards112 are supported by the frame 104. The vehicle floorboards 112 areadapted to support a lower portion of the user when the user isoperating the vehicle 100. For example, when a user is sitting on theseat 106, the user may place their shoes, boots, and/or otheraccessories on the floorboards 112.

The recreational vehicle 100 further includes a steering system 138. Thesteering system 138 is coupled to at least one of the ground engagementmembers 102 and generally includes a user input or steering member 108adapted to be grasped by a user of the vehicle 100. The illustrativesteering members 108 include handlebars and/or steering wheels.Additionally, and/or alternatively, the steering member 108 includes oneor more user grips 110. An illustrative user grip 110 is a handgrip(e.g., a motorcycle handgrip).

FIGS. 2-5 show illustrative block diagrams of a vehicle control system200, such as a vehicle control system 200 and/or a vehicle energy sourcecharging system. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the vehicle 100 includescomponents, sub-systems, and/or devices of the vehicle control system200. For example, the vehicle control system 200 and/or the vehicle 100includes an energy source 202, a user interface 204, one or more sensor206, a controller (e.g., an accessory controller) 207, a networkcontroller 226, a high frequency inverter 208, a current limitingcircuitry 210, a processor 212, a memory 214, a first energy transferdevice (e.g., a first inductive coil 216 as shown in FIG. 2 and/or afirst conductive material 222 as shown in FIG. 3), a second energytransfer device (e.g., a second inductive coil 218 as shown in FIG. 2and/or a second conductive material 224 as shown in FIG. 3), and/or aload 220. The load 220 may be a heating, cooling, or ventilation device.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 and in some examples, the vehicle 100 doesnot include some components, sub-systems, and/or devices of the vehiclecontrol system 200, such as the second energy transfer device (e.g., asecond inductive coil 218 as shown in FIG. 4 and/or a second conductivematerial 224 as shown in FIG. 5) and/or the load 220, and rather, thosecomponents or systems are external to vehicle 100. In some examples andas will be described below, the second inductive coil 218, the secondconductive material 224, and/or the load 220 are included within asecond component and/or system external to the vehicle 100, such as anarticle worn by a user (e.g., jackets, shirts, coats, pants, shoes,boots, helmets, gloves, shorts, and/or other types of wearableobjects/clothing/garments) and/or a charging sub-system or device (e.g.,a charging mat, a charging puck, stand, and/or other types of chargingdevices).

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the current limiting device 210 is optional.When present, the current limiting device 210 assists the high frequencyinverter 208 in limiting the current, voltage, and/or power from theenergy source 202 to the first inductive coil 216. Referring to FIGS. 3and 5, the high frequency inverter 208 is optional. When present, thehigh frequency inverter 208 assists the current limiting device 210 inlimiting the current, voltage, and/or power from the energy source 202to the first conductive material 222. The high frequency inverter 208and the current limiting device 210 will be described in further detailbelow.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the vehicle control system 200 includes at leastone energy source (e.g., batteries, stators, regulators, ferrous cores,and/or other types of energy sources) 202. The energy source 202provides power (e.g., 12 or 14 Volts) to one or more components,devices, and/or sub-systems of the vehicle control system 200. In someexamples, the energy source 202 provides power to one or more energytransfer devices (e.g., energy transfer circuitry), such as the firstinductive coil 216, the second inductive coil 218, the first conductivematerial 222, and/or the second conductive material 224. Additionally,and/or alternatively, the energy source 202 of the vehicle 100 providespower to a second component and/or system, such as the load 220 in anarticle worn by a user.

The user input device 204 includes one or more digital input devices(e.g., switches on the steering members 108 and/or voice commanddevices), physical switches, push buttons, levers, knobs, hard keys,soft keys, temperature selectors (e.g., analog or digital), userinterfaces (e.g., displays and/or touch screens), and/or other types ofdevices capable of receiving user input from a user. Additionally,and/or alternatively, the user input device 204 is a voice commanddevice, such as a headset and/or a microphone array. For example, theuser may provide voice commands using the headset and/or microphonearray. The headset and/or microphone array provides the voice commands(e.g., one or more temperature settings) to the processor 212.

The network controller 226 controls communications between recreationalvehicle 100 and other devices using one or more network components. Insome instances, network controller 226 of recreational vehicle 100communicates with paired devices over a wireless network (e.g., via awireless or WiFi chip). An illustrative wireless network is a radiofrequency network utilizing a BLUETOOTH protocol. In this example, thenetwork controller 226 is operatively coupled to and/or includes a radiofrequency antenna. Network controller 226 controls the pairing ofdevices, other recreational vehicles, and/or servers to recreationalvehicle 100 and the communications between recreational vehicle 100 andthe remote devices or other recreational vehicles. Further, the networkcontroller 226 communicates with the controller 207, such as receivinginformation from the processor 212 and/or providing information to theprocessor 212.

The vehicle control system 200 is configured to transfer energy betweenon-board vehicle components and/or between on-board components andexternal components. For example, in one example, the vehicle controlsystem 200 is configured to provide energy transfer in the form of heatenergy to various vehicle components to increase the comfort of therider, especially when the rider or user is operating the vehicle 100 incolder weather and due to the open-air nature of vehicle 100. Moreparticularly, the vehicle control system 200 may be configured toprovide heat energy to the handgrips 110, the articles/garments worn bythe user, and any other component on the vehicle 100 that is in contactwith and/or in proximity of the user. In addition to heat transfer, thevehicle control system 200 is configured to provide alternative energytransfer to vehicle components using external sources. For example, insuch instances, the vehicle control system 200 may be configured towirelessly charge vehicle components through energy transfer between anexternal charging stand, station, mat, puck, or other similar device anda vehicle component, such as the energy source 202. Additionaldisclosure of these functions of the vehicle control system 200 isdisclosed herein.

Vehicle Control System Configured for Heating

Using the vehicle system 200 and/or the method 300 described below inFIG. 6 to heat various components may be useful for “twist throttle”instances (e.g., twisting of the user grips 110). For example, by usingthe inductive coils 216 and 218, wire fatigue issues may be reducedand/or eliminated. This may also remove corrosion concerns since thecomponents may be formed of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or anothersoft rubber-based material. In other words, by using inductive coils inthe handgrips, there may be little or no component fatigue, corrosionissues, and/or connections for a customer to install.

Further, by using inductive and/or conductive power transfer to heatarticles worn by the user, the articles may be heated beyond the surfaceof the article and/or provide better heating to the user. The articlesdo not need an onboard power source, such as batteries and/or acontroller that can add weight, bulk, or a cord to power the article. Inother words and as will be described below in FIGS. 11-13, by using thevehicle energy source 202, the garments of the user can be heated suchthat many heating components from the garments may be removed.

Referring to using the vehicle control system 200 to heat variouscomponents, the user input device 204 may be configured to control atemperature of one or more components and/or systems in the vehiclecontrol system 200. For example, in examples of FIGS. 1-5, the userinput device 204 may be provided on a portion of the steering members108 and/or the handgrips 110 such that any inputs (e.g., switches,buttons, levers, etc.) are configured to receive a user input. In someinstances, the physical switches of user input device 204 may cause atemperature increase or decrease of the vehicle handgrips 110.Additionally, and/or alternatively, the physical switches may cause atemperature increase or decrease of the article worn by the user. Insome examples, the user input device 204 includes a touch screen displayand the controller 207 interprets various types of touches to the touchscreen display as inputs and controls the content displayed on touchscreen display. This will be described in further detail below.

The sensor(s) 206 includes one or more sensors and/or devices thatdetect, determine, monitor and/or provide sensor information indicatingvarious parameters of the vehicle 100 or the environment surrounding thevehicle 100. The types of sensors and/or operations of sensors will bedescribed below.

The controller 207 (e.g., an accessory controller and/or a controllerfor the steering assembly 138) includes one or more processors (e.g.,processor 212), the memory (e.g., memory 214), the high frequencyinverters 208, and/or the current limiting device 210. The controller207 may be a single device or a distributed device, and the functions ofthe controller 207 (e.g., processor 212) may be performed by hardwareand/or as computer instructions on a non-transient computer readablestorage medium, such as the memory 214. In some instances, thecontroller 207 forms a portion of a processing subsystem including oneor more computing devices having memory, processing, and communicationhardware. The controller 207 may alternatively include one or moreapplication-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmablegate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), hardwired logic,or combinations thereof.

The memory 214, is computer-readable medium in the form of volatileand/or nonvolatile memory and is removable, nonremovable, a combination,and/or non-transitory. Computer-readable medium examples include RandomAccess Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Electronically ErasableProgrammable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), flash memory, optical orholographic media, magnetic storage devices, and/or any other mediumthat can be used to store information and can be accessed by anelectronic device, such as the processor 212. Additionally, and/oralternatively, the memory 214 is representative of multiple memories.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, when present, the high frequency inverter(s) 208is any type of circuitry that converts between DC current andalternating current (AC). For example, the energy source 202 provides DCcurrent to the controller 207. A first energy transfer device (e.g., thefirst inductive coil 216 and/or the first conductive material 222) mayuse AC current to transfer energy to a second energy transfer device(e.g., the second inductive coil 218 and/or the second conductivematerial 224). The high frequency inverter 208 converts the DC currentfrom the energy source 202 to the AC current and provides the AC currentto the current limiting circuitry 210 and/or the first energy transferdevice.

When present, the current limiting device 210 includes one or moredevices and/or circuitry that limits the current provided to the energytransfer devices. For example, the current limiting device 210 is anytype of circuitry and/or device that limits the current, power, and/orvoltage. The current limiting device 210 is operatively coupled to theprocessor 212. The processor 212 provides signals, instructions, and/orother indications to the current limiting device 210 to limit thecurrent output to the first and second energy transfer devices.

In some variations, the current limiting device 210 is included withinthe high frequency inverter 208. For instance, referring to FIGS. 2 and4, the high frequency inverter 208 converts the DC current to the ACcurrent and limits the current and/or voltage based on instructions fromthe processor 212. After converting and/or limiting the current, thehigh frequency inverter 208 provides the current to the first energytransfer device, such as the first inductive coil 216.

In some examples and as mentioned above, the high frequency inverter 208is optional. For example, referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, when present, thehigh frequency inverter 208 converts the DC current to the AC currentand provides the current to the current limiting device 210. Whenabsent, the energy source 202 provides the DC current to the currentlimiting device 210. Based on instructions from the processor 212, thecurrent limiting device 210 limits the current and/or voltage andprovides the output to the first energy transfer device, such as thefirst conductive material 222. In some instances, the current limitingdevice 210 is a buck converter (e.g., a DC to DC converter) and/or aslip ring.

The controller 207 is operatively coupled to, communicates with, and/orcontrols the devices, components, and/or sub-systems of the vehicle 100.For example, the controller 207 communicates with the energy source 202,the user input device 204, and/or the sensors 206. In some instances,the controller 207 receives a current from the energy source 202. Thecurrent may be a DC current. The high frequency inverter 208 convertsthe DC current to AC current and provides the AC current to the currentlimiting device 210.

In some examples, the controller 207 (e.g., processor 212) receives userinput from the user input device 204. In some variations, the controller207 (e.g., processor 212) receives sensor information from the sensors206. In some instances, based on the sensor information and/or the userinput, the controller 207 (e.g., processor 212) provides and/or limitsthe current to one or more energy transfer devices. For example, theprocessor 212 provides a signal to the current limiting device 210 toprovide and/or limit the current to the energy transfer devices. Inother words, to provide power to the heated handgrips and/or articlesworn by the user, the processor 212 may control, monitor, and/or managethe operation of the transfer of energy between the vehicle 100 and thecomponents of the vehicle 100 (e.g., the handgrips 110) and/or betweenthe vehicle 100 and the components exterior to the vehicle 100 (e.g.,the articles worn by the user).

In some variations, the controller 207 is an accessory controller thatcontrols operations for the vehicle 100. In other variations, thecontroller 207 is a controller for the steering assembly 138, such as aswitch cube controller. For example, the controller 207 includes one ormore controllers within the steering assembly 138, such as one or morecontroller within the steering member 108. The controllers may receiveinformation (e.g., user input and/or sensor information), and providepower to control a temperature of a load 220, such as the user grips110). The operation of the controller 207 and/or processor 212 will bedescribed in further detail below.

The illustrative vehicle control system 200 and/or the vehicle 100 isnot intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use orfunctionality of examples of the present disclosure. Neither should theillustrative vehicle control system 200 and/or the vehicle 100 beinterpreted as having any dependency or requirement related to anysingle component and/or system or combination of components and/orsystems illustrated therein. Additionally, various components and/orsystems depicted in FIGS. 1-5, in examples, may be integrated withvarious ones of the other components and/or systems depicted therein(and/or components and/or systems not illustrated). The functionalitiesof the vehicle control system 200 and/or the vehicle 100 will bedescribed below.

The energy transfer devices, such as the first inductive coil 216, thesecond inductive coil 218, the first conductive material 222, and thesecond conductive material 224, are any type of devices that transferenergy wirelessly (e.g., without a wired connection). For example, theenergy transfer devices may transfer energy from the vehicle 100 (e.g.,from the energy source 202) to one or more components and/or systems inthe vehicle 100, such as the heated handgrips 110, and/or one or morecomponents and/or systems exterior to the vehicle 100, such as articlesworn by the user. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the energytransfer devices may be used to charge the energy source 202. In otherwords, a plug and/or outlet may be used to provide power (e.g., currentand/or voltage) to an energy transfer device. The energy transfer deviceprovides the current to another energy transfer device in the vehicle100, which then provides the current to the energy source 202.

For example, the first inductive coil 216 uses inductance (e.g.,inductive power transfer) to transfer energy (e.g., current) to thesecond inductive coil 218. For example, providing a current to the firstinductive coil 216 causes the first inductive coil 216 to create amagnetic field. By bringing the second inductive coil 218 in closeenough proximity to the first inductive coil 216 (e.g., the createdmagnetic field), the magnetic field induces the second inductive coil218 to provide a current to the load 220. In other words, by providing acurrent from the controller 207 to the first inductive coil 216, thefirst inductive coil 216 induces a current on the second inductive coil218. The second inductive coil 218 provides the current to the load 220.In some instances, using induction, the first inductive coil 216 doesnot need to physically touch the second inductive coil 218 transferenergy to the second inductive coil 218 (e.g., the coils 216, 218 areseparated by a certain distance). In some examples, the first inductivecoil 216 and/or the second inductive coil 218 may include one or morecoils. In other words, the first and second inductive coils 216 and 218may include multiple inductive coils (e.g., three coils) used to supplypower to the load 220 and/or recharge the energy source 202. Thecontroller 207 may provide the current and/or voltage to the one or morefirst inductive coils 216 and the second inductive coils 218.

Further, the first conductive material 222 uses conductance (e.g.,conductive power transfer) to transfer energy to the second conductivematerial 224. The first conductive material 222 is a power transmitterthat delivers power to the second conductive material 224 (e.g., areceiver). For example, after the first conductive material 222 makes aphysical connection to the second conductive material 224, the firstconductive material 222 transfers a current from the energy source 202to the second conductive material 224. The second conductive material224 provides the current to the load 220. The first and secondconductive material 222, 224 is any type of conductive materialincluding, but not limited to copper wires, aluminum, steel, gold,ferrous cores, and/or other types of wires.

In some examples, the first energy transfer device (e.g., the firstinductive coil 216 and/or the first conductive material 222) isoperatively coupled to the frame 104 of the vehicle 100. For example,the first energy transfer device may be located anywhere on the vehicle100 including, but not limited to, the vehicle steering member 108, thevehicle user grips 110, the seat 106, the floorboards 112, a backrest ofvehicle 100, and/or a vehicle side-stand.

In some variations, the second energy transfer device (e.g., the secondinductive coil 218 and/or the second conductive material 224) isoperatively coupled to the frame 104 and/or the load 220. For example,the second energy transfer device may be located anywhere on the vehicle100 (e.g., the vehicle handgrips 110) and/or the load 220. Additionally,and/or alternatively, the second energy transfer device may be locatedat and/or operatively coupled to a contact point between the user andthe vehicle 100, such as, but not limited to, the vehicle steeringmember 108, the vehicle user grips 110, the seat 106, the floorboards112, a backrest of vehicle 100, and/or a vehicle side-stand.

The load 220 receives current from the second inductive coil 218 and/orthe second conductive material 224. The load 220 includes heatingcircuitry and/or elements that increase the temperature of the loadusing the current from the second energy transfer device. In someinstances, the load 220 includes one or more components, devices, wires,and/or sub-systems that converts the electricity (e.g., the current) toheat. For example, the load 220 is an article worn by a user (shown onFIGS. 4 and 5) and/or one or more vehicle handgrips, such as handgrips110 (shown on FIGS. 2 and 3). The load 220 converts the current to heatup the article and/or handgrips 110. In some examples, the load 220includes non-heating circuitry and/or components. For instance, the load220 is a USB, a light (e.g., a light operatively coupled to an article),and/or a vented helmet. The processor 212 may provide the current and/orthe voltage to the first and second energy transfer devices to power upthe non-heating circuitry and/or components.

FIG. 6 shows an example flowchart describing a method 300 for thecontroller 207 (e.g., the processor 212) to control a temperature of theload 220. In operation, at step 302, the processor 212 receives userinput from the user input device 204. In some examples, the user inputdevice 204 is an analog temperature selector, such as one or morephysical switches and/or buttons. For example, a user may use the userinput device 204 to set a heat setting for the load 220. In response toa user pressing and/or actuating a button, lever, and/or switch, theuser input device 204 provides the user input indicating the actuationto the processor 212. The processor 212 receives the user input from theinput device 204 and then changes the current output based on the userinput. For example, the user input device 204 may control a temperatureof the load 220. In some instances, there may be multiple differenttemperature settings (e.g., 0, 1, 2, . . . etc.). For example, 0 mayindicate to apply no heat to the load 220, 1 may indicate a low heatsetting, 2 may indicate a middle heat setting, and 3 may indicate a highheat setting. By actuating and/or pressing the user input device 204(e.g., pressing a button), the processor 212 changes from a firsttemperature setting (e.g., a low heat setting) to a second temperaturesetting (e.g., a high heat setting).

In some variations, the user input device 204 is a digital temperatureselector, such as a touch screen, user interface, and/or display device.For example, the user input device 204 may cause display of an imageand/or prompt indicating the current heat setting (e.g., current heatedgrip level). The user may use the user input device 204 to set a newheat setting (e.g., new heated grip level). The user input device 204obtains the new heat setting, and provides the new heat setting to theprocessor 212. In some examples, there may be multiple different heatsettings that the user can select.

At step 304, the processor 212 receives sensor information from one ormore sensors, components and/or systems. For example, the processor 212receives sensor information from multiple different sensors 206,components, and/or systems, including an ambient temperature sensor, avehicle speed sensor, a battery voltage sensor (e.g., an energy sourcesensor), and/or one or more body temperature sensors. For example, thevehicle speed sensor provides information indicating a vehicle speed tothe processor 212. The vehicle speed sensor is any type of sensor thatdetects a vehicle speed of the vehicle 100.

The battery voltage sensor provides information indicating a batteryvoltage (e.g., a state of charge of the energy source 202) to theprocessor 212. The battery voltage sensor may be operatively coupled tothe energy source 202 and may be any type of sensor that detects thestate of charge of the energy source 202. For example, the batteryvoltage sensor is a battery monitoring sensor that monitors anddetects/determines a charge of the energy source 202.

The ambient temperature sensor provides information to the processor 212indicating a detected ambient temperature reading. In some examples, theambient temperature reading is a temperature reading of the environmentsurrounding the vehicle 100.

The body temperature sensor provides information to the processor 212indicating one or more body temperatures of a user. For example, one ormore body temperature sensors may be attached to the article worn by theuser and/or the body of the user. The body temperature sensor may detectand/or determine a temperature reading of the attached location (e.g., abody temperature of the user). The body temperature sensor may provide,via a communication method (e.g., wired and/or a radio frequency, suchas a WiFi protocol and/or BLUETOOTH), the temperature reading to theprocessor 212. In some instances, the controller 207 includes a radiofrequency receiver. The controller 207 uses the radio frequency receiverto receive the temperature readings and provides the temperaturereadings to the processor 212. In some instances, the article worn bythe user includes multiple body temperature sensors at various locationswithin the article. For example, the article is clothing, such as ajacket, shirt, pants, and/or gloves. Each article of clothing includes abody temperature sensor that provides a body temperature reading to theprocessor 212 via the radio frequency receiver.

At step 306, the processor 212 determines an amount of current toprovide to the first energy transfer device (e.g., the first inductivecoil 216 and/or the first conductive material 222). For example, basedon the user input and/or the sensor information, the processor 212determines an amount of current to provide to the first energy device.In some examples, the processor 212 determines a voltage and/or anamount of power to provide to the first energy device.

At step 308, the processor 212 provides the determined amount ofcurrent, voltage, and/or power to the first energy transfer device. Inother words, the processor 212 provides a signal and/or command to thecurrent limiting device 210 to limit the current, voltage, and/or powerfrom the energy source 202 via the high frequency inverter 208 based onthe determined current amount. For example, if the processor 212determines the current to provide to the first energy transfer device is2 Amps, the processor 212 provides the signal or command to the currentlimiting device 210. The current limiting device 210 limits the ACcurrent such that the magnitude of the current is 2 Amps.

In some variations, after providing the determined current, voltage,and/or power to the first energy transfer device and based on the firstenergy transfer device being in proximity to the second energy transferdevice, the first energy transfer device may transfer the current,voltage, and/or power to the second energy transfer device. For example,as a user wearing an article that includes the second energy transferdevice (e.g., the second inductive coil 218 and/or the second conductivematerial 224) moves within a certain proximity to the first energytransfer device (e.g., a component of the vehicle 100, such as the firstcoil 216 and/or the first material 222), the first energy transferdevice may transfer energy to the second energy transfer device. Inother words, if the first and second conductive materials 222 and 224are in physical contact, then the first conductive material 222 maytransfer energy to the second conductive material 224. Additionally,and/or alternatively, if the second coil 218 is within a certainproximity and/or distance from the first coil 216, the first coil 216may transfer energy to the second coil 218.

In some instances, based on the user input indicating a heat setting,the processor 212 determines and/or provides an amount of current,voltage, and/or power to the first energy transfer device (e.g., thefirst inductive coil 216 and/or the first conductive material 222). Forexample, for a low heat setting, the processor 212 provides 1 to 1.5Amps. For a high heat setting, the processor 212 provides 2 to 2.6 Amps.

Additionally, and/or alternately, based on the vehicle speed, theprocessor 212 determines and/or provides an amount of current, voltage,and/or power to the first energy transfer device (e.g., the firstinductive coil 216 and/or the first conductive material 222). Forexample, based on the vehicle speed satisfying one or more thresholds(e.g., over 10 mph, over 20 mph), the processor 212 determines adifferent amount of current to provide to the first energy transferdevice. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the processor 212 uses afunction and/or algorithm and the vehicle speed to determine an amountof current to provide the first energy transfer device. In someinstances, as the vehicle speed increases, the processor 212 increasesthe amount of current, which causes the temperature of the load 220 toincrease.

Additionally, and/or alternately, based on the ambient temperature, theprocessor 212 determines and/or provides an amount of current, voltage,and/or power to the first energy transfer device (e.g., the firstinductive coil 216 and/or the first conductive material 222). Forexample, based on the ambient temperature satisfying one or morethresholds (e.g., below 50 degrees, below 30 degrees), the processor 212determines a different amount of current to provide to the first energytransfer device. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the processor 212uses a function and/or algorithm and the ambient temperature todetermine an amount of current to provide the first energy transferdevice. In some instances, as the ambient temperature decreases, theprocessor 212 increases the amount of current causing the temperature ofthe load 220 to increase.

Additionally, and/or alternately, based on the battery voltage, theprocessor 212 determines and/or provides an amount of current, voltage,and/or power to the first energy transfer device (e.g., the firstinductive coil 216 and/or the first conductive material 222). Forexample, based on the battery voltage satisfying one or more thresholds,the processor 212 determines a different amount of current to provide tothe first energy transfer device. For instance, if the battery voltagedrops below a threshold, the processor 212 determines and/or reduces thecurrent provided to the first energy transfer device.

Additionally, and/or alternately, based on the one or more bodytemperature readings, the processor 212 determines and/or provides anamount of current, voltage, and/or power to the first energy transferdevice (e.g., the first inductive coil 216 and/or the first conductivematerial 222). For example, the user input may indicate a heat setting,such as a low, medium, or high heat setting. Each heat setting mayinclude a corresponding body temperature. The processor 212 may comparethe body temperature readings with the user input heat setting. If thebody temperature reading is above the user input heat setting, theprocessor 212 may reduce the current to the first energy transferdevice. If the body temperature reading is below the user input heatsetting, the processor 212 may increase the current to the first energytransfer device. If it is equal, the processor 212 may maintain thecurrent to the first energy transfer device.

In some examples, the article worn by the user includes a maximumtemperature limit switch. For example, a maximum temperature limitswitch may be included between the load 220 and the second inductivecoil 218 and/or the second conductive material 224. The maximumtemperature limit switch may detect and/or monitor a temperature of theload 220 (e.g., the article worn by the user). If the temperature isgreater than a maximum temperature limit, the maximum temperature limitswitch may open the circuit to the load 220 (e.g., turn off the heatingcapabilities of the load 220).

FIGS. 7-10 show an illustrative implementation of method 400 and thevehicle control temperature system 200. In other words, FIGS. 7-10 showthe operation of the processor 212 providing a current, voltage, and/orpower to the first and second energy transfer devices to power the load220 (e.g., a vehicle handgrip 110). For example, FIG. 7 shows thehandgrip 110 and the user input device 204 (e.g., an analog temperatureselector). As mentioned previously, a user may use the analogtemperature selector 204 to change a temperature setting for the load220, such as the handgrip 110 and/or the heating elements within thehandgrip. FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the handgrip 110 and the userinput device 204 of FIG. 7. For example, FIG. 8 shows the first energytransfer device (e.g., the first inductive coil 216) and the secondenergy transfer device (e.g., the second inductive coil 218).

FIG. 9 shows the interior of the user input device 204 and the handgrip110 when assembled. For example, as shown, the first and secondinductive coils 216 and 218 are positioned such that there is aseparation (e.g., a few millimeters separation) between them. In someexamples, the coils 216 and 218 are circular in shape, and both arewound relative to a first axis. FIG. 10 shows a cross-section view ofthe handgrip 110. As shown, the two coils 216 and 218 are separated by acertain distance. Further, the second inductive coil 218 is operativelycoupled to (e.g., connected) to the load 220. For example, the load 220includes one or more wires, heated circuitry, material, heatingelements, and/or other components located in the interior of thehandgrip 110.

The first inductive coil 216 and second inductive coil 218 areoperatively coupled to the frame 104 and located at the handgrips 110.In operation, the first inductive coil 216 receives current from thecontroller 217. The first inductive coil 216 provides, using aninductive power and/or current transfer, the received current to thesecond inductive coil 218. The second inductive coil 218 provides acurrent to the load 220 such that the load provides heat to thehandgrips 110.

FIGS. 11, 12A and 12B show another illustrative implementation of method400 and the vehicle control temperature system 200. For example, FIG. 11shows the first energy transfer device (e.g., the first conductivematerial 222) and the handgrip 110. The first conductive material 222 islocated at the handgrip 110 (e.g., on a surface or exterior of thehandgrip 110) and operatively coupled to the frame 104. FIG. 12A showsthe second energy transfer device (e.g., the second conductive material224). The second conductive material 224 is located and/or attached toan article worn by the user (e.g., on the outside of the glove). Inoperation, the user wearing the article (e.g., the second conductivematerial 224) may touch, connect, interacts, and/or physically makescontact with the handgrip 110 (e.g., the first conductive material 222)such that a conductive power transfer occurs. In other words, thecurrent provided by the controller 217 is transferred to the secondconductive material 224 (e.g., glove).

FIG. 12B shows the load 220. For example, the load 220 includes theglove (e.g., the second conductive material 224), pants, shoes, and ajacket. The load 220 may also include one or more wires that providespower from the second conductive material 224 throughout the load 220(e.g., to the jackets, pants, shoes, and/or gloves). In some examples,the shoes, pants, and/or jacket may include the second conductivematerial 224. In such examples, the floorboards 112 and/or otherportions of the vehicle 100 may include the first conductive material222 that provides power to the second conductive material 224.

In some instances, the article worn by the user is powered using thefirst and second inductive coils 216 and 218. For example, similar toabove, the first inductive coil 216 may be located in the handgrips 110and/or other portions of the vehicle 100. The second inductive coil 218may be in an article worn by the user, such as the pants, gloves,jackets, and/or shoes.

The article may include occupant condition sensors 221 in one or morelocations of the article to be worn. Individual control of heating andcooling of various regions around the occupant or within the occupantsarticles to be worn may be performed. As is described in detail below.

FIG. 12C shows an example of powering the article worn by the user usingthe first and second inductive coil(s) 216 and 218. For example, the oneor more first inductive coil(s) 216 may be located in the floorboards112. The one or more second inductive coil(s) 218 may be located in anarticle worn by the user, such as in a boot, shoe, and/or other footwearworn by the user. In operation, the first coils 216 transfer power tothe second coils 218 to heat up the load 220 (e.g., the heating elementswithin the footwear). Additionally, and/or alternatively, the load 220may include additional heating elements in other articles worn by theuser, such as in one or more gloves, pants, and/or jacket worn by theuser.

In some examples, the first inductive coil 216 and the second inductivecoil 218 are located in the handgrips 110. For example, as explainedabove, the first inductive coil 216 provides a current, voltage, and/orpower to the second inductive coil 218 to heat the handgrips.Additionally, and/or alternatively, the second inductive coil 218provides the current, voltage, and/or power to a first conductivematerial 222 located at the handgrips 110 (e.g., shown in FIG. 11). Whenthe article (e.g., the second conductive material 224) physically makescontact with the first conductive material 222, the current from thefirst conductive material 222 (provided by the second inductive coil 218via the first inductive coil 216) is transferred to the secondconductive material 224. The second conductive material 224 provides thecurrent to the load 220 (e.g., shown in FIG. 12B). In other words, theexamples shown in FIGS. 7-12B are combined such that a current providedfrom the energy source 202 is transferred from the heated handgrips tothe load 220 (e.g., the jacket, pants, shoes, and/or gloves shown inFIG. 12B).

Vehicle Control System Configured for Charging

FIGS. 13A and 13B show another illustrative implementation the vehiclecontrol system 200. However, instead of providing power from the energysource 202 to the load 220, FIGS. 15 and 16 show a method of chargingthe energy source 202 of the vehicle 100. In some instances, the batterystate degrades between rides. As such, using a wireless charging map mayhelp make charging easier and allow little to no wiring between thecharging device and the vehicle to charge the battery between rides.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, an AC outlet 230 (e.g., a householdoutlet or electrical outlet) may be coupled to a charging device. Thecharging device may include an outlet component (e.g., plug, socket)that is operatively coupled to the AC outlet. The charging device mayalso include one or more wires that electrically connect the outletcomponent to the second inductive coil 218. The second inductive coil218 is located outside of the vehicle 100. For example, the secondinductive coil 218 is located within a charging mat (e.g., wirelesscharging mat), docking stations, charging platform, pad, and/or othermaterials, devices, or objects that are able to include an inductivecoil.

The first inductive coil 216 is located, operatively coupled to, and/orattached to the vehicle 100. For example, the first inductive coil 216is within a side-stand of the vehicle 100. Additionally, and/oralternatively, the first inductive coil 216 is located on one portion ofthe vehicle 100 (e.g., at a closest portion of the vehicle 100 to thecharging device).

In operation, the AC outlet 230 may power and/or provide a current tothe second inductive coil 218 via the outlet component. The secondinductive coil 218 inductively transfers power (e.g., provides acurrent) to the first inductive coil 216. Then, referring to FIG. 4, thefirst inductive coil 216 provides the current to the energy source 202via the controller 207. In some examples, the current may bypass thecontroller 207 and be provided to the energy source 202.

In some instances, the energy source 202 may be charged using the firstand second conductive materials 222, 224. For example, instead of theinductive coils 216 and 218, the AC outlet 230 may power and provide acurrent to the second conductive material 224. The second conductivematerial 224 may provide the current to the first conductive material222 and then to the energy source 202. The second conductive material224 may be located within a charging mat (e.g., wireless charging mat),docking stations, charging platform, pad, and/or other materials orobjects that are able to include a conductive material. The firstconductive material 222 may be located at the side-stand and/or anotherportion of the vehicle 100 (e.g., at a closest portion of the vehicle100 to the charging device).

Referring now to FIG. 14, a comfort management system 1400 may be usedfor controlling a seat or another device in response to a user input andother inputs such as the ambient conditions in and around the vehicleoccupant or occupants or the conditions of the occupants themselves. Acontroller 1410 may be a microprocessor-based controller that isprogrammed to perform various functions. In this example, the controller1410 is in communication with an ambient condition sensor 1420 and adevice 1430. An occupant condition sensor 1440 is used to generate anoccupant condition signal that has occupant condition data. A userinterface 1450 provides a way for a user to provide data for desiredsettings to be communicated to the controller 1410. The user interface1450 may also use the various user interfaces set forth in FIGS. 12 and13A-13C.

The user interface may also be implemented with a touch screen display1470 that is in communication through the controller area network. Thetouch screen display 1470, in addition to providing a user interface,may also provide various descriptions and the like for the user. Ofcourse, the display 1470 may be used for other functions such as theradio, navigation, and vehicle conditions.

The ambient condition sensor 1420 may be one or more sensors that areused by the controller 1410 to control various conditions. In thisexample, an ambient air temperature sensor 1422 generates an ambient airtemperature sensor signal that has data corresponding to the ambient airtemperature at or within the vehicle. The ambient air temperature sensor1422 may be located near one or more of the occupants. The ambienthumidity sensor 1424 generates an ambient humidity signal that has datacorresponding to the ambient humidity. The ambient humidity may bedetermined around the occupant or around the vehicle. An air speedsensor 1426 generates an air speed signal that has data corresponding tothe speed of the air in or around the occupant or vehicle. A sunlightsensor 1428 generates a sunlight signal having data corresponding to anamount of direct sunshine directed to the sensor.

Although one ambient air temperature sensor 1422, one ambient humiditysensor 1424, one air speed sensor 1426 and one sunlight sensor 1428 areillustrated, more than one of the sensors may be provided in a system.For example, more than one vehicle location for an occupant is providedin many vehicles. An ambient condition sensor 1420 may thus be providedat or near one or more of the occupants. The ambient condition 1420 mayalso be located in various locations of the vehicle. For example, anambient condition sensor may be located around the lower extremities ofan occupant (e.g., the foot well) and another ambient condition sensormay be located toward the head or torso of a vehicle occupant.

The device 1430 may be a seat or another type of device, such as a handgrip, a foot rest, or clothing that the occupant wears as describedabove.

The occupant condition sensor 1440 generates a signal corresponding tothe conditions or adjacent to the occupant. The occupant conditionsensor 1440 may be one or more sensors selected from a temperaturesensor 1442, a humidity sensor 1444, an air speed sensor 1446, and aheart rate sensor 1448. The temperature sensor 1442 generates atemperature signal having data corresponding to the temperature of thelocation of the occupant condition sensor. The data from the temperaturesensor signal may be used by the controller 1410. The humidity sensor1444 generates a humidity signal having data corresponding to thehumidity at the location of the occupant condition sensor, namely, theposition relative to the occupant.

The air speed sensor 1446 generates an air speed signal having datacorresponding to the air speed at the occupant. The air speed allows thecontroller 1410 to compensate for the chilling effects of wind.

The heart rate sensor 1448 generates a signal having data correspondingto the heart rate of the occupant. Increased heart rate may cause thecontroller to provide lower heating, increase cooling or increaseventing.

The occupant condition sensor 1440 may be located in various positions.In a seat, the occupant condition sensor 1440 may be located on or nearthe seating location. The occupant condition sensor 1440 may also belocated in clothing that the occupant is wearing. One or more occupantcondition sensors may be provided in an article of clothing. Forexample, the occupant condition sensor 1440 may be located in an helmet,within a shirt or outerwear, within pants, within sockets or withingloves. Of course, other positions for the occupant condition sensor1440 may be provided.

The user interface 1450 may provide one or more ways in which to provideuser input to the system. A set 1451 of switches 1452, 1454 and 1456 maybe used to control various functions. A switch 1452 is used to controlthe heating. A switch 1454 is used to control the cooling and the switch1456 is used to control the vent. In this example, the system maycontrol the providing of heat with the switch 1452 and increasing ordecreasing the heat. The switch 1454 is used to increase or decrease theamount of cooling. The switch 1456 is used to increase or decrease thevent air. The vent may provide ambient or unconditioned air to theoccupant without heating or without cooling.

A response of the heating or cooling module 1490 may be provided with aswitch 1458. The response of the system refers to how fast the systemreacts or changes based on inputs from the ambient condition sensors.That is, the response refers to the amount or how quickly the systemprovides heating, cooling or venting in response to the sensed conditionfrom the ambient condition sensor 1420 or the occupant condition sensor1440. A high response is obtained by selecting the high response button1460 which provides a quick response from the heating and cooling module1490. Selecting the medium response button 1462 provides a slowerresponse than the high response button 1460. A low response button 1464provides a lower response than the medium response button 1462. Thedifference between the different buttons 1460-1464 may be determinedusing a timer or the like as will be described below. Thus, a longerdelay before the activation of one of the components of the heating andcooling module may be provided.

A slide dial response selector 1466 is another possible type of switchthat may be provided. In this example, the slide dial 1468 may beselected by the vehicle occupant to provide the appropriate level ofresponse. The slide dial 1468 has numerous positions and thus differentinputs may be provided to the controller 1410 corresponding to a highposition, a low position or anywhere in between. The portion of the userinterface 1450 described above may be implemented as hard wire switchesthat are disposed on the vehicle or on the device itself. The userinterface 1450 may also be implemented in a touch screen as will bedescribed below.

The touch screen 1470 has various inputs including a comfort managementbutton 1472. The comfort management button 1472 may initiate theactivation and feedback for the comfort management system. Of course,other buttons may be provided on the user interface that corresponds tothe vehicle conditions at button 1474, the entertainment system 1476,the navigation system 1478, and the mobile device interface 1480. Thebuttons 1472-1480 may be implemented as hard switches or as touch screencommands.

The controller 1410 includes response module 1411 that receives thedesired response from the user interface and provides the signal or atime of delay to a comparison module 1412. A threshold module 1413provides a threshold used by the comparison module 1412. The thresholdmodule 1413 may receive a threshold from the user interface 1450 or thetouch screen 1470. Thresholds may, for example, be determined by directuser input. The threshold module 1413 may, for example, be a desiredtemperature. The threshold 1413 may also take in consideration thehumidity in and around the occupant, the ambient humidity, the air speedin and around the vehicle and the air speed in and around the occupant.The threshold 1413 may be adjusted by the response module 1411. Forexample, bands around the threshold may be provided that correspond tothe desired response, wider bands correspond to lower responses. Thesystem reacts when the bands are crossed rather than the specifictemperature setting, for example, not being met. The bands may be set atpercentages, five percent, 10 percent, 15 percent, may correspond tohigh response, medium response and low response, for example. Thecomparison module 1412 works in conjunction with a timer 1414 and aclock 1416. In another way to implement the response, the timer 1414 maytime the change in the conditions and not provide a response until aftera time period from the change in condition from the comparison module1412 indicates a change. After the time period that a higher or lowerresponse by the heating and cooling module 1490 is desired. Thecomparison module 1412 may thus provide a delay which may be increasedor decreased by the occupant. The change of the response of thecontroller 1410 relative to the heating and cooling module 1490 isadvantageous in that when very temporary conditions are experienced suchas driving into a tunnel, driving in and out of the sun (wooded area) orother temporary cool or hot areas, the system does not overact.

The controller 1410 may also include a wire connector 1417 and/or atransceiver 1418. The wire connector 1417 communicates with various userinterface or the touch screen display 1470 through a hard wire. A wiredconnector 1417 may also be used to communicate with the occupantcondition sensor 1440. A transceiver 1418 may be used to wirelesslycommunicate with the display 1470, with the user interface 1450, andwith the occupant condition sensor 1440. The transceiver transmits andreceives data signals to and from the controller 1410.

The heating and cooling module 1490 may include a heater 1492, a cooler1494 or a vent 1496. The heater 1492 may be implemented in various waysincluding heating elements used for heating air blowing through a duct.The cooler 1494 may provide cooling air by removing heat from the airwithin the duct of the system. The vent 1496 provides moving air withoutheating or cooling the air. The heater 1492 may also be implemented in aresistive wire within the device 1430 that heats. Any of the devices1492-1496 may be also implemented using conduction provided power.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the occupant sensor 1440 is illustrated in ahousing 1510. The housing 1510 may be located on the vehicle or withinclothing of the occupant. For example, the temperature sensor 1442, thehumidity sensor 1444, the air speed sensor 1446 and the heart ratesensor 1448 may be located in one housing 1510. Discrete sensors mayalso be provided. The housing 1510 may be removably coupled to clothingor to the occupant. For clothing, the sensors may be permanentlyattached on or within the clothing. A transceiver 1512 may be providedwithin the housing 1510 to communicate wirelessly to and from thecontroller 1510. More specifically, the transceiver 1512 may communicatewith the transceiver 1418 illustrated in FIG. 14. Other examples ofmounting the occupant sensors may include in a watch, mobile device orwearable device. Articles of clothing such as a glove, shoe, sock,undergarments, outerwear, base layers and the like.

A wire connector 1514 may also be provided through which a wire may becoupled by wire to the wire connector 1417 illustrated in FIG. 14.

As mentioned above, one or more housings 1510 having one or more of theoccupant condition sensors may be provided. If more than one housing1510 is provided, not all of the sensors 1442-1448 may be providedtherein. Also, the housing 1510 may only include a single sensor. Eitherthe temperature sensor 1442, the humidity sensor 1444, the air speedsensor 1446 or the heart rate sensor 1448 may be provided. However, morethan one of the sensors may be provided within the housing orindividually.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A-16I, a plurality of screen displays forcontrolling the device, such as the seat, is set forth. The screendisplays correspond to ways in which to coordinate device, set varioususer setting and provide other data to the occupant.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 16A, the comfort management systemmay have an on button 1610 and an off button 1612 used to turn on andoff the comfort management system displaced on the display 1470. Thescreen display 1608 may be reached after selection of the comfortmanagement button 1472 illustrated in FIG. 14. The on button 1610 turnson the comfort management system and thus allows the user to enter amode for providing various user settings. The off button 1612 turns thecomfort management system off. If multiple devices for control areprovided, individual control for the system may be provided.

Referring now to FIG. 16B, a screen display 1620 on the display 1470 maybe reached once the comfort management system is turned “on” at thedisplay 1610 above. The screen display 1470 may be used to selectvarious components of the comfort management system to control. In oneaspect, a feet button 1622 may be used to adjust the comfort controlsystem, control a feet, a boot or lower extremity system. A hands button1624 may be used to control the grips or gloves for an occupant. Anupper body button 1626 may be used to control the temperature of theupper body or thorax of an occupant. The lower body button 1628 may beused to control the area around the hip section of the occupant. Thehead button 1630 may be used to control the temperature around the head,helmet or hat associated with an occupant. A seat button 1632 is used tocontrol the heating, cooling, or ventilation of the seat of a vehicle.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a screen display 1640 is illustrated. In thisexample, a seat control having an up button 1642 and a down button 1644are set forth. The center display 1646 is used to display a temperature.By selecting the up button, the temperature in the display 1646 changes.The temperature in the display 1646 corresponds to the desiredtemperature. The button 1644 reduces the temperature in the display1646. Although a seat control is illustrated in the screen display 1640,a similar interface could be used for various other positions such asthose illustrated in FIG. 16B.

Referring now to FIG. 16D, a screen display 1650 is set forth. Thescreen display 1650 allows manually selecting the heating portion of theheating and cooling module, the cooling portion of the heating andcooling module or the vent portion of the heating and cooling module. Tothis end, a heating button 1652 allows selection of the heating controlof the heating and cooling module 1490. The cooling button 1654 allowsthe controlling of the cooler portion of the heating and cooling module1490. Selecting the vent button 1656 allows the control of the vent ofthe heating and cooling module 1490.

The “auto” button 1658 is used to automatically select the desiredoperation. For example, the selection of the auto button 1658 willallows the system to change between heating and cooling to seek thedesired temperature such the temperature set forth in the display 1646above. By changing the response of the system described above, thesystem is prevented from rapidly and inefficiently changing between theheating, cooling and venting operations

Referring now to FIG. 16E, the screen display 1660 is illustrated forincreasing or decreasing the amount of heating, cooling or ventingprovided. The screen display 1660 may be generated after the selectionof one of the heating, cooling or venting buttons 1652-1656 illustratedin FIG. 16D. In this example, a “minus” button 1662 and a “plus” button1664 may be provided. Indicator 1666 may be displayed to illustrate theintensity of the amount of heating, cooling and venting provided. Thescreen display 1660 may display the word “heat” when heating is selectedin screen display 1650, may display “cooling” when the cooling button1654 is selected from the screen display 1650 or “venting” when theselector 1656 is selected in the screen display 1650.

Referring now to FIG. 16F, a screen display 1670 is set forth. Thescreen display 1670 is used for selecting the response performance ofthe thermal management system. A fast response selector 1670, a mediumresponse selector 1674 or a slow response selector 1676 may be activatedto control the speed at which the heating and cooling module 1490 iscommanded to response to the desired temperature. An indicator 1678 maybe illuminated corresponding to which selector 1672-1676 have beenselected. Other ways of conveying the selection are by highlighting orcoloring differently the selectors 1670-1676 of the screen touch display1470.

Referring now to FIG. 16G, a screen display 1680 is illustrated as analternate way to control the response performance of the system. In thisexample, a button 1682 may be moved to the desired response within thebox 1684. For example, by touching the screen closer to the “low” sideof the box 1684, the button 1682 would be moved to the correspondinglocation of the touch on the touch screen.

Referring now to FIG. 16H, a screen display 1686 is set forth fordisplaying a fault status of the system. In this example, an “okay”button 1687 and an “error” button 1688 are used for displaying either anokay status or an error status. The error status may be provided with anindication as to the source of the error or a numerical or alphanumerical code that corresponds to a particular fault. Warnings andinstructions may also be provided within or adjacent to the error button1688.

Referring now to FIG. 16I, a screen display 1690 present a synch screenfor synching various systems within the vehicle. In this example, a seatbutton 1692A, a hand button 1692B, an upper body button 1692C, a lowerbody button 1692D, a seat button 1692D, and a head button 1692E may beselected to synch the comfort control system with other systems. Forexample, the feet and hands may be selected so that the temperatures andresponse performance are the same. By selecting or deselecting, thesynchronization of various heating and cooling modules, an improvedriding experience is generated. In the screen display 1690, synchedsystems may have the buttons 1692A-1692E highlighted, colored orotherwise changed to indicated that they have been synched.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a high level method for controlling theheating and cooling module is set forth. In step 1720, the ambientconditions of the vehicle or around the user are determined. The sensorsillustrated in FIG. 14 may be used. In step 1722, the user settings aredetermined. As mentioned, the user settings may be provided through auser interface generating user setting signals with user data. The userinterface may be a discrete switch or a touch screen. The settings mayindicated how much heating, cooling or ventilation is desired. Thesettings may also indicate a desired temperature or humidity. In step1724, the occupant conditions are determined. This is an optional set ifthe occupant conditions are to be taken into account for controlling theheating and cooling module. The occupant conditions may be determinedfrom sensors provided within or on clothing such as boots or shoes,pants, jackets, shirts, helmets or the like.

In step 1726, the desired response of the system is determined by theuser settings. As mentioned above, the response of the systemcorresponds to how quickly the occupant would like the system to changein order to try to meet the desired or target temperature or humidity.For example, when the user would not like to feel humidity (sweaty), theventing system or cooling system may be increased to drive the user.

In step 1728, the heating and controlling module is controlled inresponse to the ambient conditions, the user settings, the occupantconditions and the system response. With respect to temperature, if thetemperature is not high enough, heating is provided. If the temperatureis too high, heating may be turned off. Likewise, should excess moisturebe detected, ventilation or cooling may be provided. Also, as theambient temperature changes, the amount of heating and the amount ofcooling may be increased or decreased to maintain the occupant at adesired level of comfort.

Referring now to FIG. 18, the overall operation of the system is setforth. In step 1810, the comfort management system is activated. Asmentioned above, this may take place using discrete switches or a touchscreen such as in the Polaris® Ride Command® System. In step 1812, theoccupant system to control is selected. In some vehicles, only the seatsmay be able to be controlled. Therefore, step 1812 need not be performedwhen only a single comfort system is provided. In step 1814, the usersettings are provided for the comfort control system. User settings may,for example, provide a desired temperature. In step 1816, the responseperformance is also selected by the user. In some systems, a responseperformance may not be provided. As mentioned above, the response is howquickly the system is controlled to obtain the desired user settings. Instep 1818, the ambient conditions around the occupant is determined.These step may be performed for one occupant or may be performedindividually for any number of occupants within the vehicle. The ambientconditions may include the temperature, the wind speed, the amount ofsunlight and the humidity. When the vehicle is traveling a high rate ofspeed, for example, the driver may experience “wind chill”. The effectis less as the vehicle slows.

Should the occupant have individual occupant condition sensors, theoccupant conditions are sensed and provided to the controller. Asmentioned above, in certain conditions, the clothing of the occupant mayhave sensors therein. The sensors provide feedback to the controller sothat adequate changes may be made to the heating and cooling module. Instep 1822, the occupant condition is compared to the user settings. Whenthe occupant conditions are the same or about the same as the usersettings, steps 1818 and 1820 are performed. The word “about” in used instep 1822 to indicate the amount of response. When the temperature, forexample, is within a certain range of the desired temperature, a changein the amount of heating or cooling provided by the heating or coolingmodule may not be adjusted. This is part of the response of the system.

In step 1822, when the occupant condition is not equal to the usersetting or outside the range around the user setting, the heating andcooling system is operated to seek the desired user setting in step1824.

Examples are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and willfully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerousspecific details are set forth such as examples of specific components,devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of examples ofthe present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat specific details need not be employed, that examples may beembodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed tolimit the scope of the disclosure. In some examples, well-knownprocesses, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies arenot described in detail.

The foregoing description of the examples has been provided for purposesof illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive orto limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particularexample are generally not limited to that particular example, but, whereapplicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected example,even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be variedin many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure fromthe disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a controller, user input indicating a temperature setting; determining, based on the temperature setting, an amount of current to provide to a first energy transfer device, wherein the first energy transfer device is operatively coupled to a frame of a recreational vehicle; and providing, based on the determined amount of current and by the controller, a current to the first energy transfer device, wherein the first energy transfer device is configured to wirelessly provide power to a second energy transfer device, and wherein the second energy transfer device is configured to provide the power to a load.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first energy transfer device is a first inductive coil, wherein the second energy transfer device is a second inductive coil, and wherein the first inductive coil is configured to wirelessly provide the power to the second inductive coil based on inducing a second current.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the recreational vehicle comprises a steering assembly having a handgrip or steering wheel, and wherein the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil are located on an interior portion of the handgrip or steering wheel.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the load is an article worn by the user, wherein the load comprises a heating, cooling, or ventilation element corresponding to the article, and wherein the second inductive coil is operatively coupled to the article and configured to provide the second current to the heating, cooling, or ventilation element to heat the article.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first energy transfer device is a first conductive material, wherein the second energy transfer device is a second conductive material, and wherein the first conductive material provides a conductive current to the second conductive material based on a physical contact between the first conductive material and the second conductive material.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the load is an article worn by the user, wherein the load comprises a heating, cooling, or ventilation element corresponding to the article, and wherein the second conductive material is operatively coupled to the article and configured to provide the current to the heating, cooling, or ventilation element to heat the article.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the second energy transfer device is operatively coupled to a contact point between the recreational vehicle and an operator.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, from at least one sensor, sensor information, and wherein determining the amount of current to provide to the first energy transfer device is based on the sensor information.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a vehicle speed sensor, and wherein the sensor information comprises information indicating a vehicle speed.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a battery voltage sensor, and wherein the sensor information comprises information indicating a battery voltage.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an ambient temperature sensor, and wherein the sensor information comprises information indicating an ambient temperature.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an ambient temperature sensor and an ambient humidity sensor, and wherein the sensor information comprises information indicating an ambient temperature and the ambient humidity.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an ambient condition sensor and an occupant condition sensor, and wherein the sensor information comprises information indicating an ambient condition and an occupant condition.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein the load comprises a body temperature sensor, wherein the at least one sensor comprises radio frequency receiver, and wherein the sensor information comprises information indicating a body temperature of a user.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the amount of current to provide to the first energy transfer device comprises: increasing the amount of current to provide the first energy transfer device in response to the body temperature of the user being less than a temperature corresponding to the temperature setting.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the amount of current to provide to the first energy transfer device further comprises: decreasing the amount of current to provide the first energy transfer device in response to the body temperature of the user being greater than a temperature corresponding to the temperature setting.
 17. A recreational vehicle, comprising: a frame; front and rear ground-engaging members supporting the frame; a powertrain drivingly coupled to one of the front and rear ground-engaging members; a steering assembly coupled to the front ground-engaging member for steering the vehicle, the steering assembly comprising a steering portion having a user grip or wheel, wherein the steering portion comprises a first inductive coil, and wherein the user grip comprises heating circuitry comprising a second inductive coil; and at least one programmable controller operatively coupled to the first inductive coil and configured to: control a temperature of the user grip by providing a current to the first inductive coil, wherein the first inductive coil wirelessly transfers the current to the second inductive coil, and wherein the second inductive coil causes the heating, cooling, or ventilation circuitry to change the temperature of the user grip.
 18. The vehicle of claim 17, further comprising: a user input device operatively coupled to the frame and configured to provide user input indicating a temperature setting to the at least one programmable controller, and wherein the at least one programmable controller is configured to control the temperature of the user grip or wheel based on the user input indicating the temperature setting.
 19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the user input device is at least one of: an analog temperature selector, a touch screen, and a digital input device.
 20. The vehicle of claim 17, further comprising: at least one sensor operatively coupled to the frame and configured to provide sensor information to the at least one programmable controller, and wherein the at least one programmable controller is configured to control the temperature of the user grip based on the sensor information.
 21. The vehicle of claim 20, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an ambient condition sensor.
 22. The vehicle of claim 20, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an ambient temperature sensor and an ambient humidity sensor, and wherein the sensor information comprises information indicating an ambient temperature and the ambient humidity.
 23. The vehicle of claim 20, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an occupant condition sensor.
 24. The vehicle of claim 20, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an ambient condition sensor and an occupant condition sensor.
 25. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the first inductive coil wirelessly transfers the current to the second inductive coil based on a separation between the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil.
 26. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the first inductive coil is positioned radially around a first axis, wherein the second inductive coil is positioned radially around the first axis, and wherein the separation is a distance along the first axis.
 27. The vehicle of claim 17, further comprising: a battery operatively coupled to the frame; and a high frequency inverter electrically coupled to the battery, wherein the high frequency inverter is configured to convert a direct current (DC) from the battery to an alternating current (AC), and wherein the current to the first inductive coil is the alternating current from the high frequency inverter.
 28. A vehicle control system, comprising: a vehicle comprising: a frame; front and rear ground-engaging members supporting the frame; a powertrain drivingly coupled to one of the front and rear ground-engaging members; a battery operatively coupled to the frame; a first energy transfer device supported by the frame; and at least one programmable controller electrically coupled to the battery and the first energy transfer device, wherein the at least one programmable controller is configured to: provide a current to the first energy transfer device; and an article worn by a user comprising: temperature circuitry comprising: a second energy transfer device configured to receive the current from the first energy transfer device; and heating elements operatively coupled to the second energy transfer device and configured to control a temperature of the article worn by the user using the current from the second energy transfer device.
 29. The vehicle control system of claim 28, wherein the vehicle further comprises: a user input device operatively coupled to the frame and configured to provide user input indicating a temperature setting to the at least one programmable controller, and wherein the at least one programmable controller is configured to provide the current to the first energy transfer device based on the user input indicating the temperature setting.
 30. The vehicle control system of claim 28, wherein the vehicle further comprises: at least one sensor operatively coupled to the frame and configured to provide sensor information to the at least one programmable controller, and wherein the at least one programmable controller is configured to provide the current to the first energy transfer device based on the sensor information.
 31. The vehicle control system of claim 30, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an ambient condition sensor.
 32. The vehicle control system of claim 30, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an ambient temperature and an ambient humidity sensor.
 33. The vehicle control system of claim 30, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an occupant condition sensor.
 34. The vehicle control system of claim 30, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an ambient condition sensor and an occupant condition sensor.
 35. The vehicle control system of claim 28, wherein the vehicle further comprises: a steering assembly coupled to the front ground-engaging member for steering the vehicle, the steering assembly comprising a steering portion having a user grip or wheel, wherein the user grip or wheel comprises the first energy transfer device, and wherein the article worn by the user is a glove.
 36. The vehicle control system of claim 35, wherein the first energy transfer device is a first conductive material, and wherein the second energy transfer device is a second conductive material.
 37. The vehicle control system of claim 28, wherein the vehicle further comprises: a floorboard operatively coupled to the frame, wherein the floorboard is operatively coupled to the first energy transfer device, and wherein the article worn by the user is a boot.
 38. A vehicle charging system, comprising: a recreational vehicle comprising: a frame; front and rear ground-engaging members supporting the frame; a powertrain drivingly coupled to one of the front and rear ground-engaging members; a battery operatively coupled to the frame; and a first energy transfer device supported by the frame; and a charging device comprising: an outlet component operatively coupled to an electrical outlet and configured to provide a current; and a second energy transfer device operatively coupled to the outlet component and configured to receive the current from the outlet component, wherein the second energy transfer device transfers the current to the first energy transfer device, and wherein the first energy transfer device is configured to provide the current to the battery to charge the battery.
 39. The vehicle charging system of claim 38, wherein the charging device comprises one of a charging mat or a docking station.
 40. The vehicle charging system of claim 38, wherein the first energy transfer device is first conductive material and the second energy transfer device is a second conductive material. 